Fu Yi Xuan

Review

Fu Yi Xuan is one of Chiayi's best-known souvenir brands. Mirror Media reports that founder Tseng Liang sold part of his farmland in 1951 to move from Dongshi in Chiayi County to the city and open a factory, first making small Western-style biscuits before handmade egg rolls and group-buying fever made the name. The Chenggong Street shop sits in a residential area and often has queues even on weekdays.

The signature handmade egg rolls use fresh eggs, butter and flour, with multi-layered pastry that is substantial yet flaky and full sesame seeds whose aroma lingers. A TVBS report comparing it with fellow veteran Dan Feng describes Fu Yi Xuan's texture as lighter and looser, while Dan Feng's is denser and crunchier. A comparison site lists the handmade sesame egg rolls at around NT$240, though the price depends on packaging and flavour. Besides egg rolls, the shop sells soda crackers and assorted biscuits you can pick yourself.

Fans praise the distinct layers, strong fragrance and fair prices, and many always bring some home from Chiayi as gifts. Complaints mention the hassle of queues and purchase limits and difficult parking near the shop. Some flavours are only available on certain days, and resellers outside charge a mark-up, which some find annoying. Others think the taste is not very different from supermarket egg rolls and not worth a long wait.

It opens from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closing earlier around 5 p.m. on Sundays; check before you go. Queues peak before the Lunar New Year, when TVBS reported people lining up first thing in the morning, and the special egg rolls sold only on set days are especially sought after. To avoid crowds, visit on a weekday morning; some flavours are also available at other branches in the city.

Ideal for travellers looking for a Chiayi souvenir, and for anyone who loves traditional biscuits or wants a gift for older relatives. First-timers can buy the signature sesame egg rolls and then add whatever flavours are available that day. For gifts, choose boxed sets, and pack them at the top of your bag on a long journey so they don't crush.